Outdoor Education in Australia

QUICK GUIDE

COUNTRY PROFILE
- AUSTRALIA

Australia is a vast country - its the same size as the United States.

Australia has the lowest population density of any country in the world. There are about 20 million people in Australia (about 1/8th the population
density of USA and about 1/100th the population density of Japan).

Australia was "discovered" in 1729 and settled by the British in 1788.

OUTDOOR EDUCATION IN AUSTRALIA

Australia, like New
Zealand, is viewed by many as having ideal natural outdoor spaces, a
temperate climate, and a high standard of living.

Outdoor education is
popular and well-developed in Australia, having at least a 50 year history
of formal programs.

Blessed with low population density, a
progressive and innovative education system, and an adventurous outdoor
culture which also values use and protection of the natural environment,
Australia has been and is a fertile breeding ground for the development of
outdoor education.

Australia is generally recognised,
along with the USA and the UK, as an international leader in outdoor
education and related fields such as nature tourism.

Most outdoor education programs are
delivered through primary and high schools, with a smaller market for public
enrolment programs, generally oriented towards adventure recreation
experiences.

Primary school outdoor education tends
to focus on environmental education and visit to hard-top camps.

High school outdoor education tends to
focus more on learning outdoor education expedition skills and soft-top
camping.